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Greatest Irish footballers to play for Chelsea

Chelsea is one of the most successful clubs in English football and some Irish players have left their mark on the team’s history

5. Paddy Mulligan (1969-1972)

Mulligan was a strong, dependable right-back throughout his long career. He is most known for his successful time with Shamrock Rovers and West Brom but also had a decent spell in London with Chelsea.

The 50-capped Irishman cost the Blues £17,500 and made a substitute appearance in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup against Real Madrid. The Dubliner spent three years in blue, scoring two goals in 71 appearances before moving to Crystal Palace.

4. Tony Cascarino (1992-1994)

Cascarino is a very memorable name in Irish football. He had his best moments in a football shirt while playing for Millwall and much later down the line for Marseille in France.

At the midway point of his career, he joined Chelsea. The Kent-born midfielder scored 8 goals in 45 games for the club. After all this, most Irish people will remember him for the important parts he played in the Boys in Green’s runs in 1988, 1990, and 1994.

3. John Dempsey (1969-1978)

Dempsey was a legendary center half for Chelsea throughout the nine years he spent in the clubs. He had many highs, such as winning the FA Cup in 1970 and scoring the opening goals in the previously mentioned UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final victory.

The Hampstead-born defender also stayed with the club during their turbulent spell in the 70s. He qualified for Ireland through his parents and would make 19 appearances, scoring once in six years.

He would also go on the be player-manager for Dundalk before retiring.

2. Andy Townsend (1990-1993)

In 1990, Townsend joined Chelsea for the mouth-watering sum of £1,200,000 from Norwich. He was a truly quality player and this did not affect him as he won the club’s Player of the Year award in his debut season.

Unfortunately, the Irish player never had great success with Chelsea and after 14 goals in 120 games, the midfielder moved to Aston Villa for over two million pounds.

His time in the green jersey is more storied after he scored seven goals in 70 appearances over eight years, playing in many of Ireland’s greatest matches.

1. Damien Duff (2003-2006)

Duff is one of Ireland’s most underrated footballers, a master on the wing, playing for some of England’s best teams and being a major part of Ireland’s success in 2002. In his three years at Chelsea, he played alongside Didier Drogba, Arjen Robben, and Frank Lampard.

He scored 19 goals in 125 appearances while wearing blue in London winning a Premier League title and a League Cup trophy. This made him a must-have for Ireland as he made a century of caps and scored eight goals.

At the peak of his career, Damien was famous on popular betting websites in Ireland and still remains the people’s favourite as a current manager of League of Ireland club Shelbourne F.C.

 

Betting for next Fine Gael Leader

Betting for next Fine Gael Leader Following Leo Varadkar’s Resignation

With the unexpected resignation of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as leader of Fine Gael, political pundits and betting enthusiasts alike are eagerly speculating on who will step into the role next. As the race for leadership heats up within the party, betting odds have emerged, offering insight into the frontrunners and dark horses vying for the position.

Leading the pack is Simon Harris and early unbackable after opening 4/6 the former Minister for Further Education is now 1/5, known for his articulate communication skills and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, has garnered significant attention as a potential successor to Varadkar.

Hot on his heels is Simon Coveney, currently serving as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland, with odds of 7/1 from 3/1 Coveney’s extensive experience in government and diplomatic affairs positions him as a formidable contender for the leadership role within Fine Gael.

Following closely behind is Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice, with odds of 7/1 from 4/1. McEntee’s rise through the party ranks and her track record as a capable minister have positioned her as a compelling candidate for party leadership.

Further down the list, but still within striking distance, is Pascal O’Donoghue, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, with odds of 7/1. O’Donoghue’s fiscal acumen and experience in managing government finances could make him an appealing choice for party members seeking a steady hand at the helm.

Rounding out the top contenders are Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development, with odds of 10/1. While considered a long shot by some, Humphreys’ tenure in various ministerial roles and her focus on rural issues could garner support from within the party.

As the speculation intensifies and the race for leadership unfolds, these betting odds provide a snapshot of the current landscape within Fine Gael. However, in the unpredictable world of politics, anything can happen, and surprises may be in store as the party charts its course under new leadership. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds and the next leader of Fine Gael is revealed.

Transfer News – Billy Burns signs for Munster Rugby

Munster Rugby and the IRFU have announced that Billy Burns will be joining the province next season, alongside contract extensions for John Ryan and Cian Hurley.

The 29-year-old Irish international, Billy Burns, will be joining Munster on a one-year contract this summer, following his six-year tenure at Ulster Rugby. With 107 appearances for Ulster since his arrival from Gloucester in 2018, Burns made his Ireland debut in 2020 against Wales, earning seven caps.

Before his time at Ulster, Burns made 101 appearances for Gloucester, debuting at just 17 years old. Born in Bath, he qualifies for Ireland through his grandfather.

John Ryan, the tighthead prop, has extended his contract for one more year. With 217 appearances for Munster since his debut in September 2011, the 24-cap Ireland international has contributed significantly, making 13 appearances in the current campaign.

Hailing from Berrings in Cork, Ryan had a busy 2022/23 season, representing Wasps in England, winning the URC with Munster, and reaching the Super Rugby Pacific final with the Chiefs in New Zealand.

Cian Hurley, who recently returned from an Achilles/ankle injury, has also signed a one-year contract extension. Graduating from the Academy to the senior squad last summer, the versatile 23-year-old can play in both the second row and back row, boasting five senior appearances thus far.

A product of Clonakilty RFC and CBC, Hurley plays his AIL rugby for Garryowen and made his senior debut for Munster at the age of 20 against Benetton in March 2021. Alongside 21-year-old Tom Ahern, they formed Munster Rugby’s youngest starting second-row combination of the professional era.

Connacht Rugby Squad – Injury updates for 2024/25 Season

Connacht Rugby Squad Update For injuries and squad news for the 2024/25 URC and Challenge Cup matches. 

A squad update from Pete Wilkins and his coaching team ahead of Saturday’s game at away to Lions in Round 10 of the BKT United Rugby Championship

Squad update has plenty of positives with Mack Hansen due back at end of April.

Colm Reilly (ankle) – Available

Shane Jennings (ankle) – Available

Diarmuid Kilgallen (thigh) – Available

Oisin McCormack (thigh) – Available

Shayne Bolton (ankle) – early April.

Oisin Dowling (ankle) – mid April.

Mack Hansen (shoulder) – end of April

Santiago Cordero (knee) – end of May

John Porch (knee) return to training in the coming weeks.

Dylan Tierney-Martin (neck) has a consultancy review this week.

Famous former Jockey to run for European elections

Famous former Jockey to run for European elections

Nina Carberry, one of Ireland’s most successful female riders, is set to swap the racecourse for the political field as the former champion amateur will run as a candidate for Fine Gael in the European elections this June.

Since retiring from race-riding in 2018 after winning on the Enda Bolger-trained Josies Orders at the Punchestown festival, Carberry has remained in the spotlight and won the hit TV show Dancing With The Stars in 2022, proving she remained as popular as ever with the public. She also appeared as a coach on the RTE sports show, Ireland’s Fittest Family.

Carberry, who rode seven festival winners at Cheltenham, will stand in the Midlands-North West constituency which stretches from her native Meath across the Midlands to Galway and up to Donegal. There are five seats on offer in that polling area, one more than in 2019.

Speaking about her decision to enter politics, Carberry said: “In the Ireland and Europe of today, it is more important than ever for those who believe they can make a difference to put their hand up to make things happen. As a mother of two, that is why I want to contest the European Elections for Fine Gael this June to ensure a bright future for all.
“Across Europe, rural areas encounter unique difficulties, and this holds even truer for an island off the European coast. I want to be a champion for balanced regional development, making sure every town and village has access to the services and infrastructure that allow people to live and work locally. I also want to connect and restore communities by supporting the work of the many voluntary groups and businesses to create vibrant spaces across the region.”
She added: “Farmers and small businesses do so much for our communities and Europe can do a lot for them. I want to reduce the burden on farmers and businesses by simplifying the red tape they need to complete to access support.

“For me, one of the great advantages of the European project is free movement for students, providing access to a wide variety of educational opportunities. It is important to protect this. As somebody who has a keen interest in skills development, I want to see the development of a cross-European apprentice scheme that could benefit the sharing of skills and ideas to create more opportunities for our young people.””

Preview – Exciting Start to the Irish Flat Season at the Curragh

Exciting Start to the Irish Flat Season at the Curragh

The Irish Flat season kicks off at the Curragh today amidst heavy going, following 1mm of rain in the last 24 hours. Met Eireann predicts a dry morning, with light rain expected in the afternoon, potentially bringing 3-5mm of rainfall. The racing action commences with the first of eight races scheduled to start at 1:35 pm.

The opening two-year-old maiden of the season surprisingly doesn’t have an Aidan O’Brien runner with Adrian Murray looking to win the prize with one of his three runners after his stable star Bucanero Fuerte won the race last year. The Amo Racing, David Egan ridden Arizona Blue looks the most likely of the three to win.

Nua Healthcare Irish Lincolnshire Anticipation

Fozzy Stack’s Chazzesmee leads the market for the Nua Healthcare Irish Lincolnshire at 4:10 pm, following a commendable runner-up performance last July. Meanwhile, Simply Sideways, a key contender for trainer Tim Doyle, aims to capitalize on her impressive form from the previous season, boasting five handicap wins in 2023.

Lodge Park Stud Irish EBF Park Express Stakes Highlight

The Lodge Park Stud Irish EBF Park Express Stakes, set to commence at 3:40 pm, promises to be one of the highlights of the day. The Group 3 contest for fillies and mares features notable contenders such as Brilliant and Everlasting, both showing promise for the season ahead.

The field includes promising talents like Goldana and You Send Me, showcasing potential for further improvement. Mammas Girl, winner of the Nell Gwyn Stakes, debuts under Adrian Murray’s guidance, adding intrigue to the race. Additionally, Cadeau Belle and Sli Na Ghealai aim to make an impact, alongside other contenders vying for victory in this prestigious event.

 

Aidan O’Brien: The Pursuit of Excellence at Ballydoyle

Aidan O’Brien: The Pursuit of Excellence at Ballydoyle

Aidan O’Brien’s relentless pursuit of excellence at Ballydoyle resonates profoundly with the mantra “Better never stops.” As he gears up for the upcoming season, O’Brien, now 54, aims to defend his title as Ireland’s champion flat trainer for the 27th time, with a remarkable streak of 25 consecutive victories. Moreover, his quest for global success shows no signs of slowing down.

Season Highlights and Milestones

The 2023 campaign was nothing short of remarkable for O’Brien. Notable achievements included Auguste Rodin’s victory in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, marking O’Brien’s 100th European Classic victory. Additionally, Henry Longfellow’s triumph in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes marked O’Brien’s 4000th career win, a testament to his enduring success on the global stage.

Relentless Focus and Commitment

Despite these milestones, O’Brien remains steadfast in his approach, with a refusal to dwell on past successes. He emphasizes the importance of staying fully focused and committed every single day, with no room for complacency. O’Brien’s relentless intensity is evident in his unwavering dedication to continuous improvement and his insistence on staying sharp and alert at all times.

Team Effort and Humility

While O’Brien may be the face of the operation, he acknowledges the monumental team effort behind his success. He attributes achievements to the collective effort of owners, jockeys, and the entire team at Ballydoyle. Despite personal accolades, O’Brien remains humble, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and focusing on the next challenge.

Looking Ahead

As the new season unfolds, O’Brien remains optimistic about the prospects of promising talents like City Of Troy. He takes pride in representing Ireland on the world stage and acknowledges the contributions of the entire Irish racing community. With a commitment to continuous improvement and a deep appreciation for the sport, O’Brien’s legacy at Ballydoyle continues to inspire generations of racing enthusiasts.

Davy Burke’s Assessment of Roscommon Footballers Progress

Davy Burke’s Assessment of Roscommon’s Progress

Davy Burke remains optimistic about Roscommon’s progress, despite the looming threat of relegation from the Allianz Football League Division 1. As the team faces a crucial match against Derry and hopes for a favorable outcome in Galway’s game against Kerry, Burke believes they are moving in the right direction regardless of the league standings.

Battling Relegation

Expressing disappointment with the team’s current situation, Burke emphasises the need for a win against Derry and favorable results in other matches to avoid relegation. Despite the challenges, he maintains confidence in the team’s ability to progress.

Performance Highlights

Acknowledging the positive aspects of recent performances, Burke praises the team’s efforts and individual displays despite setbacks. He highlights their competitiveness and resilience, indicating a promising trajectory for the team’s development.

Lessons Learned

Burke stresses the importance of learning from each game and continuous improvement, recognising the high standards required in Division 1 football. Despite setbacks, he remains encouraged by the team’s dedication and progress.

Looking Ahead

With determination and optimism, Burke looks forward to the team’s continued growth and development, emphasising the importance of perseverance and hard work in overcoming challenges.

Conor Glass Aims for Allianz Football League Final with Derry

Conor Glass Aims for Allianz Football League Final with Derry

Conor Glass, eager to secure Derry’s spot in the Allianz Football League final, anticipates a crucial match against Roscommon. Mickey Harte’s team edges closer to the final, overcoming Mayo’s late surge in a decisive victory in Castlebar. Reflecting on Derry’s long-standing silverware drought, Glass emphasizes the significance of clinching any trophy for the county.

Derry’s Path to the Final

Highlighting the personal significance, Glass shares the anticipation among players like Diarmuid Baker, relishing the prospect of playing in Croke Park. With the final game against Roscommon approaching, Glass emphasizes the team’s focus on maximizing performance and preparing for future challenges.

Personal Motivation

Glass acknowledges the advantage of having a break before facing Donegal, emphasizing the importance of rest and preparation for upcoming fixtures. With eyes set on the league final and beyond, Glass remains optimistic about Derry’s prospects and their journey ahead.

IRELAND WIN SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ireland won the Guinness Six Nations Championship with a hard-fought 17-6 victory over Scotland at the Aviva Stadium on Lansdowne Road this evening.

Ireland extended their record to 19th successive home success this afternoon, a victory that is a 40th win in the last 42 games at the Aviva Stadium, dating back to 2016.

It was the home side’s 10th successive win against their Celtic neighbours, and their 71 in all since the two sides first met in Belfast in 1877.

Opening half lacked energy from Ireland

An opening half that was characterised by handling errors, Ireland look a pale version of the energetic side that began this Six Nations tournament a few weeks ago.

Finn Russell opened the scoring in the 143rd test match between Ireland and Scotland with a penalty in the 8th minute of the game. Russell was reliable as usual from the kicking tee and dissected the posts for the game’s opening score.

Sheehan fifth try of the tournament

Dan Sheehan scored his 5th try of this season’s Guinness Six Nations when being the grateful recipient from a line-out throw in. The Ireland hooker, crashed over for his 10th career test try to put Ireland into the lead for the first time in the game. A successful Jack Crowley conversion put the home side into a 7-3 lead with just 14 minutes on the clock.

Joe McCarthy conceded a penalty minutes later, his second of the game, and gave Russell an opportunity to bridge the gap, which he duly did with his second successful kick for the posts in the test match.

Jack Crowley had a penalty attempt from inside the Scottish half to extend the Irish lead with 5 minutes to play in the opening half, but the kicker’s effort went left and wide of the uprights.

Half-time: Ireland 7  Scotland 6.

With Ireland making an energetic start to the second half, Scotland were penalised on 42 minutes for being off their feet directly in front of the posts. Crowley had an easy task of slotting over to push Andy Farrell’s side into a 10-6 lead.

Officials deny Furlong a try

Tadhg Furlong looked to have added to the Ireland score-line approaching the 50 minute mark. The prop drove for the line, and though he initially looked to have touched down successfully for the score, the referee Matthew Carley stated the on-field decision was ‘no try’ as he went to his TMO for clarification. Despite the fact that Scotland’s Finn Russell seemed to be in an offside position, therefore preventing Furlong from scoring, the English referee maintained his original decision, much to the frustration of the home crowd.

Porter try secures Irish victory

Ireland went of a short penalty tap and succeed in crossing the try-scoring line, with Scotland having a man in the sin-bin. Despite incessant Irish pressure prior to that, they failed to achieve another score which might settle the result of this match. Andrew Porter scored his sixth international try to settle Irish nerves. The front-row burst through the Scottish defensive effort and with a successful conversion attempt from Jack Crowley, Ireland took a 17-6 advantage into the final 13 minutes of the test match.

Scottish centre Huw Jones gave his side some late hope when racing in for a five-pointer with three minutes remaining on the clock. Russell added the extras to leave just four points between the sides, with an extra man on the pitch following the earlier sin-binning of Harry Byrne.

Full-time: Ireland 17  Scotland 13

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